CATCH A FALLING STAR (2000) **1/2 Warm fuzzies for middle America, a term I use in this sense to mean anyone not living in an upscale (particularly gated) community of New York or Los Angeles, enrolled in an Ivy League school, or employed in banking or stock broking. You are assured, correctly and by no less than this film, that your values are real, your intentions are good and you're either living the good life or searching for something that's already found you. And everyone not living that middle American dream, warm fuzzies for you, too: your compass has been slightly defective, but you now find yourself in position to right it all, easily, simply, and find yourself maybe even a little bit ahead of the game for the suffering of your previous years. And warm fuzzies (cue strings) for you, and me: now we know, all we have to do is take what's ours and what we want, which will enable us to give more than that back because we'll do it right. Ok, it's a silly little movie about a movie star whose sudden maturity manifests itself in petulant frenzies leading to ambivalence…our paths are all so different, but we're not, you see. It would probably have been a terrible film is Sela Ward had been awful, and hopelessly imbalanced if she'd been great, but she ranges between good and slightly better, which suits it perfectly, making it a perfect performance. You see? All the moment requires is what you've got to give it. Does that comforting thought make you feel good? Good, me too. Is it entirely right? Um…well, yeah, actually, probably. Jane Curtin's in it, I bet she knows the answer to that one even better than most philosophers we love to try and catch up with and quote.
back to Brilliant Observations on 2525 Films page, or Index
go back home, or send me email
Reviews won't do it any more! I need sustained brilliance! I want to buy your exciting new terrorist novel!
I've already read both of your novels. Thank you, they're amazing. Now I want to check out your weekly blog on everything